The Velvet Type

The Best of New Brunswick

Kassandra Lippincott

Living in New Brunswick, NJ you get accustomed to the various food spots and learn quickly what you do and don’t like. Right off College Ave at Rutgers University, there are endless possibilities of food options, it can seem overwhelming to any newcomer. It can be particularly challenging for picky eaters like myself, so I’ve developed my own personal list of my favorite foods and where to find them. There are the basics for any ordinary day and things a little more for the occasional bite to eat.

To dive in we will start from #10 and work our way down to #1:

#10

Tater Tots

If you’re in the mood for fries of any kind, something with carbs and a worthy snack. The simple potato can be molded into various scrumptious forms that are delicious. The best place for just a full tray would be Hansel and Griddle’s tater tots. They come loaded with an array of items or you can keep it simple with nothing on them and just a side of ketchup. They also offer potato wedges if you’re in the mood for something a little different but equally as satisfying.

#9

Boneless Wings

Whether you like your wings spicy or prefer the BBQ route for your choice of seasoning, Wings Over provides every option. Located right on Easton Ave, they have bone, boneless, and even nuggets with various meal options and an array of seasonings and sauces to toss your choice of chicken in. My go-to is the four-tender meal with the Kickin BBQ sauce.

#8

Ham, Egg, & Cheese on a Croissant

If you’re looking for some breakfast and have some extra time in the morning, Friends Cafe is a wonderful spot right off Central Ave. They have an array of baked goods but my favorite is their ham, egg, and cheese on a croissant. They also offer bacon in place of ham. The croissant itself is one of the best I have had in New Brunswick and the way they cook their egg is superior.

#7

Bagels

If you’re in search of a place with an assortment of bagels as well as spreadable options, Bagel Nosh has that. It’s hard to find decent bagels in North Jersey they don’t have the same texture and fullness as they do in the southern parts of the state. Some may argue that point but there are individuals who understand exactly what I’m talking about if they are a bagel fanatic like myself. Bagel Nosh has a good variety of different options and combinations to pick from, my personal favorite is an everything bagel, toasted, with scallion cream cheese.

#6

Cinnamon Pretzels

This is new to the Brunswick area, if you have a sweet tooth and the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, Auntie Anne’s is the place to stop by. It recently just opened up in the Spring of 2022 and every time you walk by you get a whiff of the sweet goodness they have in there. From Cinnabon to their famous pretzels, Auntie Anne’s on Easton Ave is absolutely a place to stop by if you’re looking for something filling and sweet to end or even start your day with.

#5

Potachoes

Making our way to #5 on the list are potachoes. What are they, you may ask. Well, Stuff Yer Face is quite notorious for an array of things and their potachoes are one of them. They thinly chop potatoes and fry them making their own chips and top them when you’re choice of meat, covered with cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, onions, ketchup, chives, and sour cream. It may sound like a lot but once you try them, there is nothing else out there that even compares.

#4

Quesadilla

One of the most basic choices for a meal that you can never go wrong with. Quesadillas can be filled with whatever you’d like but Hansel and Griddle of some combinations that are worth trying. Although on their menu it’s referred to as a Crisp and not a quesadilla, it’s still the same experience. What’s even better is their later hours of operation so even if you decide at 10 pm you want something, they are open and ready to serve. My favorite is their buffalo popcorn chicken crisp with a swap of ranch instead of blue cheese.

#3

Froyo

One of my favorite desserts is frozen yogurt. You may not know about Truly Yogurt as it is further down Easton Ave. but it’s got an array of options to soothe that sweet tooth. They have so many different options for frozen yogurt along with countless toppings that you build yourself. They even have boba if you enjoy those variations of beverages.

#2

Sushi

If you have a few extra dollars to splurge on a meal and can’t pass up a good assortment of sushi, Sushi Room is the place to go. Their Japanese cuisine is one of the best in the city with their array of specialty roles that are bound to be satisfying. It’s a great place to go with friends and have a nicer dinner or keep it casual by sitting at the bar and even enjoy a drink or two (their espresso martinis are very good).

#1

Burrito Bowl

One of the best Mexican places to stop by would be the one and only Tacoria. You can never go wrong with their selection of burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and their selection of sides. Regardless of what mood I’m in, Tacoria is my favorite place to stop by and grab a bite to eat. The spices they use for their bowls and combination is one of the best offered in New Brunswick.

Whatever your food preferences are, there is a place for everyone. New Brunswick offers an array of choices, all it takes is some exploring to discover your new favorite meal. I hope this offered some insight and good recommendations for those who may not know exactly where to begin on the long list of restaurants the city has to offer.